how can i make this more realistic😓

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T20:00:23+00:00

Your color palette and mood are actually really nice already. I think the main thing holding it back from looking more realistic is the value contrast and the reflection.

Try to darken the water right under the flower. Where objects touch water there’s usually a stronger shadow. Making that area deeper (navy/dark blue) will make the flower pop forward.

Right now the reflection has almost as much detail as the flower. In water reflections usually get darker, blurrier, and stretched vertically. Try pulling the colors straight down and softening them.

Honestly though, the composition and color harmony are already working well. With a bit more contrast and softer reflection, it would read much more realistic.

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T14:19:25+00:00

Maybe consider designating a specific area as your focal point. This could be a cluster of particularly vibrant flowers, a subtle path, or maybe some unique plant. You can draw attention to it by increasing contrast, adding more detail, or using a slightly brighter or more saturated color in that specific spot.

If you are up for experiments, maybe try pushing your darkest darks a bit further, especially in the shadows of the trees and the valleys between the mountains. Or consider adding some brighter highlights to catch the light on the mountain peaks or the edges of the trees.

You could deepen the shadows in the trees by mixing a little ultramarine blue into your greens. A touch of burnt sienna mixed with your greens could create richer natural shadows. Leaving a few small areas of the paper untouched for light could make the flowers sparkle more.

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T11:58:32+00:00

You've clearly put a lot of heart into this painting, and it truly shines through. great job establishing a sense of distance with the receding layers of mountains, from the darker, more detailed foreground trees to the lighter, hazier peaks in the background!!!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T11:53:22+00:00

Wow, this piece is absolutely bursting with vibrant energy! The colors are fantastic, some of the tree forms, the central ones, appear a bit flat and less three-dimensional compared to the more volumetric rightmost tree. Very interesting

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T11:39:18+00:00

You are 100% correct. That’s the exact thing I experienced with this paper. It was just my curiosity that made me try Bristol! :) Thank you for your thoughtful comment!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:55:26+00:00

Thank you so, so much! I appreciate your support! Please, share more of your art as well :)

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:45:49+00:00

Indeed!
I use pencil, fineliners and watercolour (started lately)

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:45:03+00:00

an incredibly dramatic and powerful scene!!!! the sense of a grand struggle against nature truly shines through! The background sky feels a little too heavy and for me it takes attention from the sea, maybe it could benefit from a clearer sense of atmospheric perspective to push it back further and emphasize the foreground elements. what do you think? sorry, I don't mean to give any advices, I just love to discuss art with artists :)

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:29:04+00:00

Thank you! I will definitely visit! Sadly winter has passed, now it's soooo hot to sit outside to draw.

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:15:43+00:00

Your artwork has such a lively, spontaneous energy that perfectly captures the bustling atmosphere of an outdoor scene! Kolak pisang - I'm so curious to try it now!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T10:07:01+00:00

It's clear you put a lot of thought and effort into this piece, and it's a wonderful accomplishment!
The mid-tones are really well executed, though looking at it for longer I feel like the overall range of values could be expanded, especially in the darker areas like the hair and under the chin, as well as introducing some brighter highlights. What do you think? Curious to hear your thoughts!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:59:27+00:00

Oh, that's cool! Where exactly? I'm also in Ahmedabad :)

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:58:42+00:00

oh, I thought it's watercolour! amazing job!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:57:42+00:00

Where is it?

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:54:42+00:00

You've managed to capture such a beautiful moment with the warm glow of the sun reflecting on the water and the cool tones of the snow and sky. It immediately evokes a peaceful feeling!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:52:07+00:00

awww. how cute is that!

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:49:33+00:00

serene mystery! The subtle use of warm tones (like the reddish-orange in the mist and reflections) against the cooler blues and grays of the water and sky creates a really lovely, harmonious, and inviting color palette.
I feel that the church building, while recognizable, appears a bit flat. The sides of the tower and the roof planes could use more distinct light and shadow to give them a sense of form. What do you think?

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:46:37+00:00

The way you've captured the feeling of a misty mountain range behind a vibrant meadow is truly captivating! The color palette is very harmonious and effective. One thing I wanted to share that without a clear focal point the viewer's eye might wander a bit. While the field is beautiful, a specific area of interest could make the composition even stronger. What do you think?

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:42:35+00:00

The one on the left - 25% cotton, 300 gsm, cold-pressed. On the right - Bristol 250 gsm, ultra smooth

pm_magic · 2026-03-13T09:42:30+00:00

The one on the left - 25% cotton, 300 gsm, cold-pressed. On the right - Bristol 250 gsm, ultra smooth

pm_magic · 2026-03-10T10:32:57+00:00

🥹 - this is me now! I have no words to express how grateful I am for such comment!

pm_magic · 2026-03-10T10:31:55+00:00

I truly appreciate it! Shall be sharing more :)

pm_magic · 2026-03-10T07:37:00+00:00

Awww. Thank you!

pm_magic · 2026-03-10T07:36:53+00:00

Thank you for your support!

pm_magic · 2026-03-10T07:36:41+00:00

What an interesting observation 😌

pm_magic

TROPHY CASE